Seasoned Russian star Irina Osipova has been drafted into the ranks of Good Angels Kosice as the Slovak Republic champions try to bolster their frontcourt ahead of a tough match-up in the play-offs with Tango Bourges.

Their French opponents are particularly strong under the hoop and the acquisition of the 32-year-old is likely to help Kosice deal with the threat posed by Bourges.

The center has been playing with EuroCup Women semi-finalists Istanbul Universitesi and will effectively by replaced in the Turkish League by Yelena Leuchanka, who ironically started the season wearing a Good Angels vest.

Ospiova averaged 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds in EuroCup Women and last played in EuroLeague Women with Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje.

CASAS INJURY BLOW FOR RIVAS

Rivas Ecopolis will be without the services of influential Spanish national team guard Queralt Casas for anywhere up to eight weeks.

The 21-year-old, who has been a real success at the elite level and has averaged double-digits in points this season, has undergone surgery on a broken finger which she sustained during the recent Copa De La Reina final.

The injury means Rivas will not be able to utilise her in their EuroLeague Women play-off series against ZVVZ USK Prague which gets underway next week.